Netanyahu heads to the United States to meet Trump on Tuesday
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is heading to the United States on Monday for a visit expected to include discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday regarding Iran, Gaza, and Lebanon.
The Israeli Broadcasting Authority stated, "Prime Minister Netanyahu is traveling to the United States to meet President Trump at the White House tomorrow," without providing further details. On Sunday, at the outset of an Israeli government meeting, Netanyahu said, "I will travel to Washington tomorrow to meet President Trump, at his invitation."
He added that he would subsequently attend the memorial service for Senator Lindsey Graham, describing him as "a great friend of Israel." He continued, "I will also discuss all outstanding issues with President Trump, including the situation in Iran." Israeli media indicate that Netanyahu will also address the files concerning Gaza and Lebanon.
On Sunday, Channel 13 reported that Netanyahu informed his cabinet ministers of his intention to reject U.S. demands for withdrawal from areas occupied by Israel in the Gaza Strip, Syria, and Lebanon. Trump had previously called on Netanyahu during a phone conversation in July to begin withdrawing Israeli forces from Syria and Lebanon, warning that their continued presence could lead to regional escalation, according to a report citing U.S. and Israeli officials.
Regarding Gaza, Trump’s plan, adopted by the Security Council, stipulates a phased withdrawal of the Israeli army, linked to the deployment of an international stabilization force and progress in disarmament, while Israel still controls 70 percent of the territory.
Israel continues its aggression against Palestine, Lebanon, and Syria, occupying territories in all three countries, including areas in southern Lebanon, some for decades and others since the war between 2023 and 2024, as well as Palestinian and Syrian lands from which it refuses to withdraw. It continues military operations within these territories, including incursions, bombardments, and repeated attacks, while obstructing the establishment of a Palestinian state in accordance with UN resolutions.
The visit comes amid a cautious calm in the region since Friday, following a halt in U.S. strikes on Iran and Iranian retaliations for the third day, after an escalation that began on July 11. The 13-day escalation included U.S. attacks on Iran, which Tehran responded to by targeting what it said were U.S. military facilities and equipment in Arab countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan.
In Israel, official and media indicators and statements are increasing regarding preparedness for a potential new escalation against Iran, amid raised military alert levels and anticipation of developments, with expectations of renewed confrontations between Tehran and Washington at any time.
Unlike previous escalation rounds since 2025, Israel and Iran did not exchange strikes this time; the situation remained in the realm of threats, warnings, and mutual caution against engagement under the threat of expanding the confrontations to Lebanon, which Tehran confirmed is included in the terms of the memorandum of understanding with the United States.
Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18 last year and began negotiations for a final agreement, before disputes arose regarding guarantees for the freedom and security of navigation in the strategic Hormuz Strait for energy and trade supplies.
On February 28 last year, the United States and Israel launched an aggression against Iran, resulting in the deaths of more than 3,000 people, according to Tehran, which retaliated with attacks that killed Americans and Israelis.
